United Nations Human Rights CouncilChairs: Esteban Medina & Christa Akerele
Email: estmed21@bergen.org Topic A: Rights of Climate Refugees One of the most devastating effects of climate change currently being seen is the immense displacement of people due to environmental issues. Generally, climate refugees refers to people or groups who are obliged to leave their homes, or choose to do so, due to changes in the environment, but this definition is not universally accepted (International Organization of Migration). Although there is no uniform definition for the term “climate refugees,” the UNHRC has, nonetheless, placed it as an issue of utmost importance. An estimated 24 million people have been forced to relocate due to climate change, and this number is only expected to increase with each passing year. How should the international community react to the growing number of people seeking refuge from environmental conditions? What should be done about climate change in order to prevent climate refugees? Topic B: Rights of Journalists in Conflict Zones Journalists plays a crucial role in recording events and bringing them to the attention of the international community. While journalism is an extremely important profession and helps shape the global agenda, it has always been subject to attack and restriction by individuals or groups threatened by their work, such as governments, gangs, ethnic or religious groups, etc. This is especially true during times of conflict. Not only are actual bullets and landmines risks to journalists, but it is also notorious in several countries to have a lack of prosecution in anti-press crimes. This means it is becoming increasingly more common for cases of violence against journalists and censorship to occur. How can the international community ensure rights of local journalists are protected by their governments? What can be done in order to fight censorship during times of conflict? 
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